Air India Express Faces Crew Shortage: Offers Passengers Solutions

Air India Express, owned by the Tata Group, has been facing significant disruptions in its flight operations recently. With around 360 flights operating daily as part of its summer schedule initiated in late March, the airline has encountered over 90 flight cancellations on a single day. This disruption has necessitated the implementation of alternative flight arrangements for affected passengers. The airline has promptly released a revised flight schedule and urged passengers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.

In response to the flight cancellations, Air India Express has taken proactive measures to assist affected passengers. It is accommodating them on alternative flights, including those operated by Group Airlines, to ensure they reach their destinations promptly. The airline has advised passengers to utilize the "Flight Status" section on its website to stay updated on any changes to their travel plans. Additionally, passengers whose flights have been canceled or delayed beyond three hours are offered the option of a full refund or rescheduling without any fees.

The disruption in flight operations stems from the unexpected unavailability of senior crew members. According to the airline's CEO, Aloke Singh, a significant number of cabin crew members reported sick before their rostered flight duty, causing severe disruptions across the network. Singh emphasized that more than 100 cabin crew members reported sick overnight, leading to the last-minute cancellation of numerous flights. Consequently, Air India Express has been compelled to curtail its flight schedules over the next few days to manage the shortage of crew members and recover from the operational setbacks.